Several residents said some of the rules are vague and open the door to discrimination, as modbee tells MHProNews. Green said the meeting was to inform residents of the rules, which he said have not been upgraded in 15 years, not to make revisions or receive input, which prompted one man to shout his time was being wasted and he walked out.
Prohibitions include: “Frequent late night and/or early morning social or business gatherings at your space”; frequent, short visits, “frequent open consumption of intoxicants” at homes; and “the uttering of profanity outside the home … loud enough to be audible to persons passing by.” The rules also include trash bin placement and what kind of furniture is allowed in driveways; smoking is only allowed in the home, not outside.
One resident said he would have a hard time selling his house because of the rules, and another fellow wants to move. Green countered that other communities have similar rules and regulations, and responding to the question of the definition of “frequent,” said enough times that could be called excessive.
Catherine Borg, legislative advocate with Western Manufactured Housing Communities Association, understands the reasoning behind the vague regulation, noting MHCs use the wording to address drug dealing: “If you were a drug person, you’d have more frequent, short visits to your home,” she said. “It seems doubtful they’re trying to get people for having wine.”
Several residents support the new regulations. Alan Coon said, “those who do not like the rules are just a couple of people nitpicking nothing,” Alan Coon said. “If you look at all the parks in the area, we have to be one of the cleanest.
However, an attorney with the Senior Law Project stated some of the regulations bring up constitutional issues, like the rules about smoking and drinking. Mark Galvan, senior case manager with the Stanislaus County Mediation Center, said the vague use of the word “frequent” is troubling, but the worst phrase he found was, “the manner and method of enforcement lies solely within the discretion of the management.”
When asked what would be the punishment for violations, Green said “We’ll deal with it fairly, sensitively … We’re not looking to evict anyone over smoking.” ##
(Photo credit: MHVillage–The Grove manufactured home community)
